STi_ted

iTrader: (1)

anybody have experience with this?
do they test with db meter to determine whether or not to pass the car?

or they do visual inspection even though it's within 95 db??

TurnWRX

iTrader: (3)

if u got cited for noise, then as long as it's under 95dB then you're ok. But if u have mods other than a catback, I would take them off before going to the ref. I went to state ref for hks catback and they popped my hood, just because.

If you're in for a noise violation, they will use a dB meter to test your exhaust noise. It doesn't matter what catback u have unless you know for sure it's under 95dB at around 3500-4500 rpms. They will hold the dB meter at a slight angle 18 inches from your exhaust tip and rev and hold your car around the rpms listed above.

OneManArmy

iTrader: (7)

Put a stock exhaust on. It's not that hard and will save you a world of headache.

and some refs are a little more mellow on things than others so it's not guaranteed you'll have the same experience as someone else.

I'd hide anything illegal or remove it if you can for the ref then put it back on. Or if its enough stuff just pay the fine and move on.

madlib

iTrader: (2)

I agree with OneManArmy...put the stock exhaust back on.

When I was sent to the ref, I put the stock exhaust back on except for an aftermarket axleback (stromung dual tip). I thought it would be quiet enough and I would be able to get it "certified." Well, it didn't pass (I think it was 3 db over) and I had to pay around a 400 dollar fine.

TurnWRX

iTrader: (3)

wow, I passed with an hks hi power catback at the state ref. I'm surprised the stromung didn't pass since it's considerably quieter than the hks.

madlib

iTrader: (2)

keep in mind, I'm NA.

darkonion

iTrader: (31)

They've got to be doing it wrong or something. I have a big 3" catback and have never broke 93db. The one time I did hit 92db at an auto-x, I had to have been booking it.

rau

iTrader: (9)

you dont have as much exhaust flow as a WRX/STi would ( because of the displacement/turbo/both ) you may not even have as much exhaust flow as an RS. when i had my Borla header, Apex'i N1 catback, and no cat on my EJ18, an Rs with the same setup would be louder because of the displacement

EJ20PWR

iTrader: (1)

Unless you have a current decibel test printout that you can show, i wouldn't take the chance.

The law states that the car can not exceed 95dbs (+/-1.5db). So it can be 96.5 dbs and still legal. If you make an appoitment for the db test, make sure your car is at full operating temp, as it makes a difference. They test it a couple times if you don't pass it the first time, due to instrument precision and practice errors

PenguinPrincess

Me too. I passed with the same exhaust. I was cited for emissions on the bov tho. If they actually cite you for noise, then that probably makes things different. But no matter what you get cited for, they're gonna see if your car passes smog. And mine did with my hks exhaust. but they did not do a db test.

midnitewrx

iTrader: (10)

IVE got a Hks HI-Power and i passed at 91Db at 4500rpm
ref passed me with ease

STi_ted

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the inputs!!! appreciated it.

sorry if i didnt make it clear, I don't have any other mods except for Greddy Ti-C catback

i got citation for "Modified Exhaust", i really dont wanna deal with the hassle of swapping the exhaust if i dont have to.

any other advise?

darkonion

iTrader: (31)

Do you know what CVC code?

TurnWRX

iTrader: (3)

I'm guessing it's cvc27151

TurnWRX

iTrader: (3)

no i was cited just for noise, not emissions, so no smog test for me.